Joining our Community

“O Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me a right faith, a certain hope and a perfect love, insight and wisdom, O Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command.” -St. Francis of Assisi, Prayer for Discernment

Membership in the community is open to all baptized persons who have been chosen by God to follow in the footsteps Jesus as modeled by St. Francis. Our application process and standards for acceptance come through our affiliation with the American National Catholic Church.

Members who have not already been formed in the Franciscan way of life are required to participate in a formation program which begins when becoming a novice. This phase of formation will last at least one year or more if deemed necessary by the formation team. All members are expected to continue studying the gospels, social issues, the life of St. Francis and the Franciscan way of life. Each Friar and Sister must be involved in an active ministry outside their normal responsibilities to their faith communities. Ministries should be in keeping within the community’s mission and selected in consultation with the Minister General and their respective superiors.